The Reverend Mullineux

Author: Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

I'd reckon his weight as eight-stun-eight,
And his height as five-foot-two,
With a face as plain as an eight-day clock
And a walk as brisk as a bantam-cock,
Game as a bantam, too,
Hard and wiry and full of steam,
That's the boss of the English Team,
Reverend Mullineux!

Makes no row when the game gets rough,
None of your "Strike me blue!"
"Yous wants smacking across the snout!"
Plays like a gentleman out-and-out,
Same as he ought to do.
"Kindly remove from off my face!"
That's the way that he states his case,
Reverend Mullineux.

Kick! He can kick like an army mule,
Run like a kangaroo!
Hard to get by as a lawyer-plant,
Tackles his man like a bull-dog ant,
Fetches hom over too!
Didn't the public cheer and shout
Watchin' him chuckin' big blokes about,
Reverend Mullineux!

Scrimmage was packed on his prostrate form,
Somehow the ball got through,
Who was it tackled our big half-back,
Flinging him down like an empty sack,
Right on our goal-line too?
Who but the man that we thought was dead,
Down with a score of 'em on his head,
Reverend Mullineux.
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Type of Poem: Ballad

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem paints a vivid portrait of the central character, Reverend Mullineux, using a blend of humor, admiration, and rich metaphoric language. The poem's central themes revolve around sportsmanship, resilience, and determination. The Reverend is depicted as a tough but fair player, with his prowess and demeanor drawing admiration from spectators and opponents alike. He embodies the ideal sportsman, handling himself with dignity even when the game gets rough, and demonstrating impressive skill and tenacity.

The structure of the poem, with its consistent rhyme scheme and rhythmic cadence, adds a sense of momentum and energy, mirroring the pace of the game being depicted. The tone is largely lighthearted and playful, with occasional moments of intense action and drama. The author employs a variety of metaphors and similes to illustrate the Reverend's abilities and character, comparing him to an "army mule," a "kangaroo," and a "bull-dog ant" to emphasize his strength, agility, and tenacity. The poem's language and imagery create a vivid and engaging snapshot of a single character, making him feel real and relatable to the reader. The repeated refrain of "Reverend Mullineux" adds a touch of humor and affection, underscoring the affectionate portrayal of the main character. The poem is a lively and engaging tribute to a beloved sports figure, celebrating both his athletic skill and his gentlemanly conduct.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.